Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science has received a two-year, $149,132 National Science Foundation planning grant for the project “Multi-Department Culture Change through Common Sophomore Series.” The grant, one of only a dozen awarded nationally, will fund planning and early changes to the second-year engineering curriculum to tie lessons to real-world industry applications and strengthen connections across all engineering programs.
The grant will support two primary functions: Ashton Ward’s study on expectancy value theory and expanded resources for undergraduates. Ward, a 2018 COES electrical engineering alumna, earned her master’s at the University of Arkansas and worked five years with Enercon Services before returning in 2023 to pursue a Ph.D. in engineering education. In addition, undergraduates will gain access to new project kits and equipment and a peer-mentored helpdesk, while faculty collaborate across disciplines to strengthen the sophomore course sequence led by Dr. Krystal Cruse, alongside Drs. Kelly Crittenden, Matthew Hartmann, and William Long.
“Louisiana Tech engineers have a reputation for being adaptable problem-solvers with a deep understanding of engineering across disciplines,” said Cruse, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, first-year programs coordinator, and director of the Office for Women in Science and Engineering. “This grant allows us to set the stage for a second-year experience that is even more engaging, more relevant, and better aligned with the needs of today’s engineering workforce. As a proud Louisiana Tech alumna, I am honored to help shape the future of the same programs that shaped me.”
By the end of the grant period, the team intends to deliver a redefined circuits course valued by both students and industry partners, informed by Ward’s research and stakeholder feedback. The broader discussions sparked by this work are expected to lay the foundation for a large-scale transformation of the second year of engineering core courses.
“This NSF RED planning grant is an exciting and essential first step toward transforming our core engineering curriculum,” said Dr. Mary Caldorera-Moore, associate dean of undergraduate studies. “It provides the space, resources, and momentum to reimagine the circuits course — not in isolation, but as a foundation for broader innovation across the entire core of the series. I’m proud to support this forward-thinking faculty team as they lead critical conversations, pilot new ideas, and lay the groundwork for a future where our programs remain rigorous, relevant, and truly reflective of the interdisciplinary nature of modern engineering."
Louisiana Tech remains committed to continuous improvement in engineering education; equipping students with the skills, confidence, and interdisciplinary mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
About Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science
The College of Engineering and Science at Louisiana Tech University integrates engineering
and scientific research with education to prepare students to solve complex, real-world
problems. The college is nationally recognized for its collaborative, interdisciplinary
approach and commitment to innovation in engineering, science, and technology.